Accomplishments

Since the formation of the Department in early 2023, we have created and delivered numerous programs, trainings, campaigns, and presentations that aim to create more inclusive school sites where our students can reach their greatest potential. Some of the accomplishments of the department are listed below:

Cultural Proficiency Trainings

The department has delivered four intensive (32-hr) Cultural Proficiency trainings each year since the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, training certificated and classified staff from across our 106 school sites and numerous departments. The department also delivers an introductory 8-hour Cultural Proficiency training to all new FUSD staff at the New Employee Orientation sessions each month. Additionally, each year, virtual, DEI-themed short-courses are provided by the Department to all Fresno Unified Staff. 

Responding to Culturally Unhealthy behavior at School Sites

The department delivers trainings and presentations that address Culturally Unhealthy behavior at school sites to both staff and students, presentations include the impact of the use of harmful words, stereotyping, bias, and other topics relating to unhealthy values and behaviors. In the 2023-2024 school year, the department presented at 12 elementary schools and 2 middle schools and met with individual students and groups to work on overcoming unhealthy behavior. 

The department is also the lead in responding to unhealthy behaviors at our school sites, as staff make use of an Incident Reporting tool to report incidents that are addressed by managers in the DEI Department. 

Leadership for Educational Justice

In 2024, the department introduced the inaugural cohort of Leadership for Educational Justice (LEJ). This program is open to Cultural Proficiency Champions, those who have completed our 32-hour intensive training. LEJ brings together a network of committed leaders dedicated to advancing equity across Fresno Unified School District. Through engaging discussions, collaborative activities, and practical insights, participants deepen their understanding of educational and social justice principles while exploring strategies and resources to address inequities and create inclusive learning environments in K-12 education. Stay tuned for details on cohort #2!

Orange Shirt Day 

Each year, the Department commemorates “Orange Shirt Day” each year to raise awareness of the residential school system that impacted the lives of Native Americans throughout the country. Since 2022, Orange Shirt Day has been commemorated annually by staff in the district offices and at school sites across the district through the provision of curriculum and activities that highlight the need for our students to understand the history of our educational system and country. 

 

 

Equity Response Hotline

In 2023, the department officially released the Equity Response Hotline across our district. The hotline allows staff to report incidents considered culturally destructive, culturally incapacitating, and culturally blind. Once reported, the department works with staff to resolve the incident and further the principle of inclusion at our school sites and in our departments. In 2023-2024, the department responded to over 23 incidents. 

DEI Art Competition

Since 2023, the DEI Department organizes a yearly art competition for our students. In 2022-2023, the competition was open to our Middle School Students with the theme, "Diversity". The Department received over 43 entries and worked in collaboration with staff across other departments to vote and award 20 students a backpack filled with books and stationery, and one grand prize winner a pair of Apple Air Pods.

The theme for 2023-2024 was “Advancing Leaders through Stories of Determination" and was intended to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The district received 95 entries, all who received a certificate. Forty winners between TK, Kinder, 1st, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. All 40 winners received 2 AAPI cultural books, an art kit and a backpack/tote bag.  Grades 4th, 5th, and 6th each had a "top winner" who received an Amazon Fire Tablet and a Bluetooth speaker. 21 backpacks and 19 tote bags, 90 books, 40 art kits, 2 amazon tablets and 1 Bluetooth speaker were given away for the art competition. 

 

2023-24 Multicultural Summit

Fresno Unified’s inaugural Multicultural Summit was a success, as the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Department, along with district partners, delivered an informative and inclusive event where 140 diverse students from across the district’s 7 Comprehensive High Schools were able to engage with their peers to explore their cultural and social identities. Dedicated Teachers and Restorative Practice Counselors provided learning support, activities, and social-emotional assistance, fostering meaningful connections. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Fresno Unified’s commitment to cultivating and maintaining equitable and inclusive learning environments.